Christian Wilkins landing spots: Dolphins not expected to tag DT, allowing him to test free agency, per report

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The turnover on the Miami Dolphins defense this offseason continues with one of their former first round picks, defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, set to become an unrestricted free agent after the team made the decision not to tag him, per an ESPN report. 

The 13th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is the latest Dolphins defender to be looking for a new home. Miami’s cuts of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard and edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah are projected to save the team over $30 million in cap space. The Dolphins signed Wilkins’ running mate on the defensive interior, Zach Sieler, to a three-year, $30.75 million extension last offseason, but the former first-round pick appears to not be getting the same kind of courtesy the former seventh-round selection did.

Wilkins, who is 28-years-old, is hitting the free agent market at the perfect time, after the best year of his five-season career. He nearly matched his career sack total from his first four seasons (11.5) in 2023 with a career-high 9.0. Wilkins was one of six defensive tackles to register at least nine sacks last season joining Pro Bowler Justin Madubike (13.0), All-Pro Chris Jones (10.5), Sieler (10.0), Ed Oliver (9.5) and Kobie Turner (9.0). 

Christian Wilkins career

Sacks

11.5

9.0

QB Hits

27

23

QB Pressures

109

58

QB Pressure Pct

6.9%

11%

With the Dolphins doling out high-dollar deals to wide receiver Tyreek Hill (four years, $120 million), edge rusher Bradley Chubb (five years, $110 million), left tackle Terron Armstead (five years, $75 million) and acquiring cornerback Jalen Ramsey via trade (five years, $100 million, Miami appears to not have room for Wilkins in the budget. That doesn’t even factor in the looming extension for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is entering 2024 on the final year of his rookie deal.

Since Wilkins is likely headed elsewhere, let’s take a look at some potential landing spots for the veteran defensive…

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Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/christian-wilkins-landing-spots-dolphins-not-expected-to-tag-dt-allowing-him-to-test-free-agency-per-report/

Author : Garrett Podell

Publish date : 2024-03-03 17:11:07

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